AN inquest into the disappearance of a man from Cricklewood will open today, eight years after he went missing.

Lee Sheppard, 26, was reported as a missing person in January 2003, after failing to return to his home in Cricklewood Lane.

Mr Sheppard was last seen at European Metal Recycling, in Willesden, where he worked.

His wife Juliet found out she was pregnant days before her husband's disappearance and work colleagues said he had spoken with joy about the prospect of becoming a father.

After the incident, Mrs Sheppard returned to New Zealand where the couple grew up.

She will return to England, along with Mr Sheppard’s family, to attend the inquest at the North London Coroners Court.